Visual indicator chronograph and the use of the same

ABSTRACT

A timer indicator or chronograph is described. The chronograph functions according to chromatographic principles to develop a perceptible visual image or pattern on an indicator panel or display area, which serves as a means to monitor the relative amount of time that elapses. The chronograph includes a self-contained reservoir for an activating agent, which once activated creates a mobile front that traverses the indicator panel substrate from the reservoir to a distal end at a predetermined rate. The chronograph may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as either a training aid or as a dryness indicator. Methods for using and making the chronograph are also described.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/000,234entitled “Visual Indicator Chronograph and the Use of the Same” filed inthe U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 30, 2004 and claimspriority thereto. The entirety of application Ser. No. 11/000,234 ishereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device that incorporates a visuallydetectable indicator for monitoring the passage of time. Moreparticularly, the invention describes a chronograph that uses visualcues and chromatographic development to mark the passage of time and toserve as a training tool.

BACKGROUND

In the realm of time monitoring devices and methods, one conventionallyuses either a mechanical, electronic, or digital device which ticks offthe seconds, minutes, and hours. To correctly use such devices ortechniques, however, requires the user to have an understanding of theconcept of time and to be able to interpret the meaning of abstractsymbols. The ability to process the meaning of numbers on a digitalclock or positions of clock hands, requires a relatively high level ofcognitive functionality. To young children, for instance, who have yetto develop such a requisite level of cognitive function or anappreciation of the concept of time keeping, visual indicators of timeare a better tool with which one can use to train and condition them. Avisual indicator that changes its appearance gradually will allow thechildren to gain an appreciation for how time passes.

Examples of traditional techniques for measuring the passage of time bysight and the relative positions of markers have included the sun dialand the hour glass. The sun dial relies on the presence of the sun, amoving source of light, to cast a shadow. This feature, however, limitsits applicability for nighttime or indoor uses. In the hour glass, sandgradually drains through from a full part of the glass to an empty partat a predetermined rate. Like the sundial, the hour glass also islimited as a training aid, because it can be easily reset and disruptedduring the course of its run. A curtailed run of the hour glass does nothelp a child to fully develop the concept of time keeping and can have anegative impact on the conditioning or training processes. It is time,therefore, to update the concept of keeping time visually.

Numerous devices are known which provide a visual indication of thepassage of a prearranged amount of time. Such time indicators areuseful, for example when attached to perishables items for indicatingthe length of time the items have been on the wholesaler's or retailer'sshelf. Thus, foods and other perishable items, such as photographicmaterials can be provided with indicators which evidence a visual changeafter activation and the passage of a predetermined period of time.

A need exists for a timer which is inexpensive and can clearly,relatively accurately and quickly indicate the passing of selectedperiods of time progressively, which can be adapted as a training tool.An ideal timer would be one where disruption is minimized anddevelopment can be tailored to almost any kind of application. The timershould also be easy to use and activated only when desired with a startmechanism, like in a stopwatch or chronometer. The visual timingmechanism should be simple and universal for all ages to use andunderstandable across all linguistic or cultural groups.

The present invention addresses the aforementioned need for a new typeof visual time indicator that does not rely on external environmentalconditions or stimuli for development, nor can it be disruptedinadvertently or without significant effort on the part of the user. Theinvention also lessens the need to have an initial appreciation of theconcept of time, which makes it useful for young children or those withdiminished mental capacities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains, in part, to the development of a timingmechanism embodied in a device that is simple and can be appropriate foruse by all age groups. According to one aspect of the invention, thedevice embodies a design concept adapted to reliably keep time. Thedevice uses a visual indicator to signify the passage of time. Inparticular, the invention relates to an indicator that will show therelative amount of time that has elapsed from the initial activation ofthe indicator. The state of the indicator can be quickly and easilyassessed by the progression of a visually perceptible change, either incolor or design pattern, along different areas of the indicator. Thedevice can be adapted to a host of potential uses which may have need ofa timing element that can manifest on a display area for monitoring therelative progression of elapsed time.

In general, the device includes an indicator panel or display area on asubstrate that is enclosed in an envelope or other packaging. As usedherein, the term “indicator panel” or “indicator display” refers to anysurface, shape or geometric configuration upon which a visual mechanismmay be displayed or manifested such that one may observe the progressover time of either a colorant or mobile front. The display device mayencompass a variety of surfaces or shapes. For instance, the basicindicator panel may be a flat, essentially two-dimensional surface.Alternatively, the indicator panel may have a three-dimensional curvedsurface, or be part of a shaped article or geometric form. The envelopeis at least partially transparent to permit the user to observe theindicator area. On the indicator panel is situated either a design orsome other visual configuration having a number of visually distinctsections or zones arrayed spatially relative to each other. The devicefurther includes at least a self-contained reservoir that is incontrolled communication with the indicator panel and the envelopeenclosing the indicator panel. The system as a whole can be referred toas a chromatogram, since the indicator panel functions analogous to theabsorbent column or strip of material containing the stratographicallydifferentiated constituents separated from a solution of mixture bychromatography.

The reservoir contains an activating agent. The activating agent, oncetriggered or released from the reservoir interacts with the indicatorpanel. The activating agent generates a mobile front in or on theindicator panel, which passes along the indicator panel carrying alongwith it colorant from each of the visually distinct sections. Each ofthe visually distinct sections may be arrayed either adjacent to oneanother or spaced apart. Each section may be either monochromatic ormulti-chromatic. Desirably, each section is monochromatic and of adifferent, contrasting color from its neighbor. Each visually distinctsection may have colorant initially set up as a line or design patternwith a width that can expand and grow in area, even filling up thesection and becoming more visually conspicuous, as the mobile frontpasses through.

As the mobile front progresses, it triggers the movement of the colorantfrom each section, which can be carried along either to the boundary ofor into an adjacent section. The indicator panel in certain embodimentsmay be configured to either allow colorant from adjacent sections tobleed into or mix together. Alternatively, so-called “gates” in theindicator panel material can control either the rate or direction ofelution of colorant from one section into another. The gates can bedesigned to stop one colorant or a set of colorants from travelingoutside of its own section, hence color development may be confinedwithin each section and not affect neighboring sections, even as theactivating agent continues to travel through adjacent sections.

The indicator panel can take the form of either a substantiallytwo-dimensional visual presentation or be part of a three-dimensionalshaped surface or article. The display area of the chronograph can be ofa size that ranges from an object that one is capable of holding withinan average person's hand (e.g., linearly on the scale of about 2 or 3-12inches or larger (about 4 or 5 cm to ≦20-30.5 cm)) to an object as largeas a billboard (i.e., on the scale of one or two meters to severalmeters). The active portion of the indicator panel can be composed ofmaterials selected from a group of cellulose or cellulose-polymer-basedmaterials (e.g., a strip of wicking material), a gel, a plastic/polymerfilm, chromatographic separation materials, inorganic particles oroxides (e.g., SiO₂, Al₂O₃), or combinations of such materials. Thereservoir may contain either a liquid or gaseous fluid. The liquid maybe either water, a thixotropic material, an alcohol, or non-flammablesolvent, or other organic species. For instance, the liquid can be asurfactant, a fatty acid, or an aliphatic alcohol. The gas may be eitherair, oxygen, carbon dioxide, a reducing gas, an inert gas (e.g.,nitrogen, helium, argon), a moist gas (i.e., includes water vapor), or amixture thereof.

A frangible seal is located between the reservoir and the indicatorpanel. When the frangible seal is ruptured, the timing element becomesactivated, establishing communication between the reservoir contents andthe indicator panel. Once activated, the activating agent enters orreacts with the indicator, proceeds along, either on a surface of orwithin the indicator panel at a predetermined rate. The rate at whichthe activating agent transgresses the indicator panel is likely to beexpressed, for instance, on the order of either minutes, hours, or days,per unit of distance. The device may further include a negative feedbackinterference agent adapted to disrupt development of the timing elementmanifested on the face of the indicator panel. The negative feedbackinterference agent modifies the usual development and appearance of theindicator panel. Preferably, the indicator panel is finely tuned so asto graphically show when the interference occurred. In other words, atthe time the negative interference is first introduced to the indicatorpanel, a mark, such as a chemical signature, or a point or line, willappear on the display, beyond which the activating agent development iseither stopped or disrupted.

In another aspect, the present invention pertains to a method forproviding a positive feedback to reinforce and condition an activity,the method comprises: providing a timed indicator device, such asdescribed herein, activating the reservoir containing the activationagent, which forms a mobile front that travels across the panel at acontrolled or predetermined rate, and conveying a feedback when themobile front contacts or reacts with the display or indicator panelhaving a set of visually distinct or colored sections arrayed spatiallyrelative to each other thereon. The visually distinct sections caneither develop, such as to either change color or hue, or be carriedalong with the mobile front from one section to another.

Alternatively, the invention describes a method for providing a timer.The method includes providing a indicator comprising a design having anumber of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relative to eachother on a display panel, and having at least a self-contained reservoircontaining an activating agent; rupturing a frangible seal situatedbetween said display panel and said reservoir to allow communicationbetween said display panel and said reservoir; observing development ofa mobile front across said display panel as the mobile front progressesfrom said reservoir to a distal end of said display panel over apredetermined time period.

Further, the indicator device can be used to as a timer for an activityor event that occurs progressively over time. For instance the devicecan be employed to monitor the duration for which an article or garment,such as a wound dressing or adult care products, has been applied orused. That is, a caregiver has the convenience to know at a quick glanceof the visual indicator panel, for example, for how long an article hasbeen on the patient, or whether the patient may require changing.

A method for using the timer may includes the steps of providing anindicator of the present invention, rupturing the frangible sealsituated between the display panel and the reservoir to allowcommunication between the display panel and the reservoir, and observingdevelopment of a visually perceptible change over the display panel asthe mobile front progresses from the reservoir to a distal end of thedisplay panel over a predetermined time period.

The invention also provides a method for using the indicator to monitorduration of dryness. The method includes: providing a indicator, asdescribed, having a set of colored zones arrayed spatially relative toeach other, and having a self-contained reservoir for activating atiming element that manifests on an indicator panel; activating thetiming element at a T₀; developing the timing element over apredetermined time period; and reading the indicator at a time T_(x).

Additionally, we describe instructing how to use an indicator of thepresent invention to a user of an article that requires the monitoringfor dryness. The instruction may include relating information aboutproviding an indicator having a set of colored zones arrayed spatiallyrelative to each other, and having a self-contained reservoir foractivating a timing element that manifests on an indicator panel;activating said timing element at a T₀; developing the timing elementover a predetermined time period; and reading said indicator at a timeT_(x). The instruction may further include relating about stopping thetiming element development over the course of said predetermined timeperiod by means of interaction with an insult or contact from analternate moisture source.

Another application for the basic device can be as a training aid forconveying a positive feedback to reinforce maintenance of dryness inchildren's training pants. The indicator device on a training aid has atiming element which manifests itself on the indicator panel over aperiod of time in which the training aid remains active, through thedevelopment of the visual pattern or design over the course of thepredetermined time period, hence providing a positive feedback signal.The positive feedback signal development is stopped when either thepattern on the indicator panel is interrupted or altered by theintroduction of an alternate source of moisture or wetness, or whenmoisture is detected. The development of different colors, according toan embodiment, can appeal to children and enhance their willingness touse the training aid.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an assembly or kit having achronograph with an indicator panel as described herein, and othercomponent items that may have time-dependent or time-influencedfunctionality or use. The indicator can be either a stand alone articlein the assembly or incorporated as part of a component of the kitassembly.

The invention also describes the use or incorporation of at least oneindicator device for monitoring progression of time with any suitablepersonal care products, medical or surgical articles or garments. Asused herein, the term “personal care product” refers to articles such asdiapers, training pants, absorbent underpants, and adult incontinenceproducts. Also, as used herein, the term “medical or surgical article orgarment” refers to medically or therapeutically oriented items such assurgical gowns and drapes, face masks, head coverings like bouffantcaps, surgical caps and hoods, examination and surgical gloves, footwearlike shoe coverings, boot covers and slippers, wound dressings,bandages, sterilization wraps, wipers, garments like lab coats,coveralls, aprons and jackets, patient bedding, stretcher and bassinetsheets, and the like. Alternatively, the present timer device can beeither used in conjunction with medical devices, such as disposablecatheters, tubes, tracheal tubes which may require periodic maintenance,and the like.

The device includes a display having a number of visually distinctsections or zones arrayed spatially relative to each other, and havingat least a reservoir for containing an activation agent, the activatingagent that, when allowed to come into communication with the display,will interact with the display and the visually distinct sections todevelop a timing element that manifests on said display over apredetermined time period. In certain embodiments, the article orabsorbent garment can comprise at least an absorbent core and an outersheet around the core. Alternatively, the absorbent garment may have atop sheet; a back sheet; and absorbent core disposed at least partiallybetween the top sheet and back sheet.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for providing asystem for monitoring the duration of either insult-free wearing of apersonal care article or use of an absorbent article. The methodcomprises: a) providing either a personal care article or an absorbentarticle incorporating a chronograph with an indicator display areahaving a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relativeto each other, and having at least a self-contained reservoir forcontaining an activation agent, said activation agent, when allowed tocome into communication with said display area, interacts with saiddisplay area, traversing said display area developing over apredetermined time period at a predetermined rate; and b) providinginstructions on how to use said chronograph to either a user orcaregiver of either said personal care or said absorbent article,wherein said user or caregiver is enabled to determine relative durationof insult-free wear or use of said personal care article or saidabsorbent article.

Lastly, the invention relates a method of manufacturing the presentchronographic device. The method includes the steps of: providing anindicator panel; placing the indicator panel in an at least partiallytransparent first enclosure; providing or forming a second enclosure;joining said first and second enclosures together as a housing unit witha frangible seal between said first and second enclosures. The methodmay further include sealing around an edge of each of said enclosures tocreate a hermetically sealed system. The reservoir can be joined to thefirst enclosure at a location proximal or adjacent to said indicatorpanel. The method can be repeated multiple times to fabricate as many ofthe housing units as one may desire. Individual housing units may bebundled or joined together to have a plurality of chromatographic timerindicators in parallel.

Additional features and advantages of the present time indicator deviceand associated articles of manufacture and methods will be disclosed inthe following detailed description. It is understood that both theforegoing summary and the following detailed description and examplesare merely representative of the invention, and are intended to providean overview for understanding the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-1G is a series of schematic representations that illustrate thegeneral concept of chromatography.

FIGS. 2A-2K depict a series of schematic representations of a basiciteration of a timed indicator according to the present invention, whichadapts the principles of chromatography.

FIGS. 3A-3H depict a series of a schematic representations of analternate design for the indicator of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a set of photos showing an embodiment of the present inventionhaving a visual indicator strip made from a wicking material enclosed ina plastic sleeve. FIG. 4A shows the visual indicator strip at T₀,encased in the plastic sheath with a reservoir containing an activatingagent at one end. After being activated and allowed to develop over aninterval of time, FIGS. 4B and 4C show the same visual indicator stripat intermediate stages, T_(0+n1) and T_(0+n2), respectively. FIG. 4D isthe same visual indicator strip as in FIG. 4A at T_(xf), after completedevelopment of the indicator.

FIG. 5 is a set of photos showing another embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 5A shows an interference or wetness indicator strip witha dark dye. FIG. 5B shows a timed visual indicator strip (horizontal)combined with the wetness indicator strip (vertical). FIG. 5C shows atimed visual indicator strip that has been activated by water andallowed to partially develop. FIG. 5D shows the same timed visualindicator strip as in FIG. 5C after the wetness indicator strip detectsan alternate source of moisture (e.g., water or urine), which activatesthe dark color of the wetness indicator strip, and disrupts thedevelopment of the timing element on the timed visual indicator strip.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention according to theschematic of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6A is a direct view, FIG. 6B is a side view, and FIG. 6C is aperspective view of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention accordingto the schematic of FIG. 3. FIG. 7A is a direct view, FIG. 7B is a sideview, and FIG. 7C is a perspective view.

FIG. 8 shows a alternative configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 7.FIG. 8A is a direct view, and FIG. 8B is a side view.

FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting. All technical and scientific terms used herein have the usualmeaning conventionally understood by persons skilled in the art to whichthis invention pertains, unless context defines otherwise. The presentinvention is not necessarily limited to specific compositions,materials, designs or equipment, as such may vary. As used in thisspecification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

Section I.—General Function of Indicator Chronograph

The present invention relates to a time indicator device, or aninstrument that registers and graphically records time intervals, suchas the duration of an event. In particular, the invention describes adevice that has an indicator panel or display area upon which therelative amount of time that has elapsed from the initial activation ofthe indicator can be rapidly and easily observed or determined by theprogression of a mobile phase. The mobile phase or front creates avisually perceptible change either in color or design pattern along theindicator panel display. The visual indicator can be activated by theuser at some time T₀ and develops over a predetermined time period totime T_(x), hence providing a measure of the passage of time. It isenvisioned that the device will be used for a variety of applications inwhich the relative passage of time is monitored, but knowing the actualtime of day is not necessary. In other iterations, the inventionincludes associated articles of manufacture and methods for using theindicator and design concept.

Although devices or concepts that communicated the relative passage oftime have been described, such as by Haas et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,058,088, 5,719,828, 5,785,354, 5,602,804, or 6,752,430, these priordevices function in a significantly different fashion than that of thepresent invention. Generally, the devices by Haas et al., for instance,utilize timing mechanisms that function by solid-solid diffusion; thatis, diffusion of a solid dye into another solid state to produce a colorchange with time. Diffusion refers to the spreading out of a substanceor entity from an area of high concentration to an area of lowerconcentration, which results in an increase in the entropy (degree ofdisorder) of the substance. As such, the prior work requires two solidsubstrates to activate their timer. A first substrate has a relativelylow or no concentration of solid-phase dyes or inks, while the other,second substrate has a relatively high concentration of dyes. Hence,according to Le Chatelier's Principle, when the two substrates areplaced in contact with each other, the first substrate functions as asink into which the dyes of the second substrate diffuse gradually overtime. An equilibrium is established between the two substrates as dyeself-diffuses from one substrate into the other, unassisted by a fluidmedium and driven by entropy, thereby producing a color change in theoriginally uncolored substrate.

In contrast, the present invention adapts the general principles offluid chromatography for use in a graphical chronometer. Chromatographyin the broadest sense refers to processes that permit the resolution ofa mixture of components as a consequence of differences in the rates atwhich the individual components of that mixture migrate through what isreferred to as a stationary phase or medium under the influence of amobile phase. “Fluid” as used herein refers to either a liquid orgaseous medium that can flow or move in, on, or through a substrate orspace either by capillary action, surface wetting, chemisorption,physical entrapment, wicking, elution, or diffusion. In conventionalapplications, chromatography is used to separate mixtures of chemicalsinto individual components. Once isolated, the components can beevaluated individually. In all chromatography, the sample mixture isintroduced (injected) or combined with a mobile phase and the mobilephase carries a sample mixture, such as a colorant in the presentinvention, through the stationary phase. Separation is achieved based onthe differences in specific interactions of the components with thegiven stationary and mobile phases; the interactions are unique to eachcomponent.

The present chromatography-based invention uses a mobile phase (e.g.,liquid or gas, etc.) to elute colorants across or through a wickingdevice. The basic timer device comprises a single-layer materialsubstrate that forms the active display area of the indicator panel.This substrate is encapsulated within an envelope which isolates theindicator panel from outside contamination or interference. The envelopehas a clear, transparent polymer film on at least one major surface topermit a user to see the development of the indictor design. If thetimer is to form part of a garment or personal care product, the clearand transparent surface of the envelope should be the external oroutwardly facing surface. An opposing side of the envelope may be eitheralso clear and transparent or opaque. When the timer device is used as astand-alone article, separate from any other product, both sides of theenvelope can be transparent. It is envisioned that either the indicatorpanel itself or the surface of the transparent side of the envelopeenclosing the indicator panel will have a series of marks placed eitherserially or concentrically outward from the reservoir. While the timingelement itself cannot be on the surface of the envelope, the marks toindicate how much time has elapsed can.

In the present device, an activating agent becomes the mobile phase,also referred to as a mobile phase front, once the activating agent istriggered from a reservoir and begins to interact with the stationaryphase of the indicator panel. In one version of the visual indicator,time element development occurs when some species laid down on astationary phase moves through the stationary phase when an appropriatemobile phase is present. In liquid chromatography (LC), the mobile phaseis generally either an organic or inorganic solvent or mixtures ofsolvents, including water. In gas chromatography (GC), the mobile phaseis usually an inert gas, such as helium. For either liquid or gaseousmedia, one may use a substrate having a plurality of differentaffinities or selectivities.

If the indicator panel is made up of multiple species, the stationaryphase can selectively attract components, since each compound in themixture interacts at a different rate, and those that interact morestrongly will move the slowest across the indicator panel, while thosethat interact weakly will move along the indicator panel quickly. Bychanging characteristics of the mobile phase and the stationary phase,different mixtures of species can be induced to move at various ratesalong the indicator panel, thereby producing a tailorable timedevelopment, or visual separation of colorants. Further refinements tothis separation process can be made by changing the temperature of thestationary phase or the pressure of the mobile phase. This particularindicator uses either color development or the decrease or absence ofcolor over time as the visual cue to a user, since the progress of thedevelopment correlates with the extent of time that has elapsed.

FIGS. 1A-1G illustrates the general concept. In one example, dyes orother types of colorants can be separated by means of application of atechnique known as paper chromatography. Paper chromatography is amethod of separation in which a mobile phase passes through a filterpaper material. The mixture, such as a line or spot of dye, is situatedon the filter paper. When an end of the filter paper is exposed to anappropriate fluid mobile phase, such as a liquid solvent like water,capillary action causes the solvent to flow. FIG. 1A shows a material,such as an ink spot, made up of a combination of colorants spotted atone end of a stationary phase substrate. As the liquid moves through thefilter paper, the dye molecules will move with the mobile front of theliquid if they are more strongly attracted to the liquid molecules thanto the paper surface moieties, but will remain or lag behind if they aremore strongly attracted to the paper than to the water, as depicted inFIGS. 1B-G. If two or more dyes have been mixed to form an ink, they maymove at different rates on the paper as the water moves up the paper.The components that are more soluble in the mobile phase move at afaster rate than those that are more attracted to the paper. The resultis the formation of moving bands of color.

FIGS. 1B-1G, show that after exposure to a solvent (i.e., mobile phase,such as water) through or over the stationary phase, the ink separatesinto its constituent colorant components. Each separated “spot” can beassigned a Retention Factor (RF) that is characteristic of the specificdye(s) associated with each respective colorant. The RF is a ratio ofthe distance the “spot” travels relative to the distance the mobilephase travels. The RF is calculated by dividing the “spot” distance bythe mobile phase distance. This ratio should be a constant that ischaracteristic of the dye(s) in a particular spot under a particular setof experimental conditions (e.g., paper chromatogram substrate, watersolvent, etc.).

Section II.—Indicator Display Appearance

Generally, as depicted in the accompanying FIGS. 2-9, the chronographdevice has an indicator panel 10 for displaying the progress of anactivating agent 12. Before use, the activating agent 12 is stored in areservoir 14. It is envisioned that the activating agent 12 can betriggered by breaking a frangible seal 20 that is situated between thereservoir 14 and the indicator panel 10. The activating agent to moveout from the reservoir 14 as a mobile phase front 16, across theindicator panel 10 to a distal location or terminus 15 away from thereservoir 14. On the indicator panel 10 are arranged a number ofvisually distinct sections or zones 18, each of which may or may not bemarked. Each individual section can be likened to a miniature blankcanvas or background 17, upon which one can generate a visuallyperceptible change in color or appearance as the mobile phase 16 comesinto communication with each section 18 of the indicator panel 10.Typically, according to the present invention, manifestation of visualchanges is through the use of colorants. A colorant 22 configured, forexample, as either a fine line, a colored block, or pattern(s) of linesis present in each section 18. As in chromatography, the mobile phase 16carries along or mixes together the colorant species to produce a visualdisplay on the indicator panel 10. A plurality of colored sections 18may be arranged together to create larger regions or areas that arelocated either adjacent to each other or spaced-apart from each otheralong the indicator panel 10.

As time progresses, the mobile phase front 16 travels across the face 11of the indicator panel 10, carrying with it individual colors 22 alongfrom the respective sections 18 to create a spectrum across theindicator panel 10. FIGS. 2A-2K illustrate a series of schematicrepresentations that show sequentially the progress of an activatingagent 12 as it moves from a reservoir 14, right to left, across thesurface of an indicator panel 10 from time T₀ (FIG. 2A) to apredetermined time T_(x) (FIG. 2K). As the activating agent travelsacross the indicator panel, the mobile phase front 16 moves and carriesmolecules of the colorants 22 colorants through each section 18 anddevelops a visible perceptible image. It is envisioned that as themobile phase as it moves forward passes through a number of sections 18,the mobile phase will cause changes and/or mixing of the colors of eachsection. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, thecolorant 22 is located initially at one side or end of a section 18,with a neutral or white-colored background 17 either to one side of orsurrounding the colorant. As the mobile phase front 16 passes throughand first encounters the line of colorant, the colorant will betriggered and begin to tint or color the surrounding or adjacentbackground areas 17 of each section 18. Thus, the colorant 20 elutesthroughout each of the visually distinct sections 18.

In chromatography applications, the stationary phase can be an absorbentcolumn, sheet, or strip of material or filter of some sort. According tothe present invention, other materials, as will be further discussedbelow, can be adapted to function in a similar manner. The stationaryphase may take the form of a film or sheet, particle or othersubstantially two-dimensional or three-dimensional substrate bodies. Thesubstrate can be packed with a number of stationary phases. Depending onthe embodiment and particular conformations, the substrates can have awide range of sizes and dimensions to accommodate the desired capacityor volume of the stationary phase, as people familiar withchromatographic techniques would understand. For instance, according tothe present invention, the dimensions of a chromatographic column can becapillary in nature, desirably as small as microcapillaries on the orderof about 0.01-0.05 micrometers (μm) or larger. Alternatively, thestationary phase may have columns on the order of about 0.5-20 μm, ormore desirably about 1-10 μm. In extremely large cases, the column canbe the size of tubing one may fine in petrochemical refineries, such as1-5 meters in diameter, or silo tubes of about 10-50 meters across.

The stationary phase is usually contained in a form that isolates andprotects it from the external surroundings, which may contaminate thestationary phase. The container should also prevent dilution, depletion,or escape of the mobile phase; as such, the mobile phase is maintainedat a constant concentration and flow rate when interacting with thestationary phase of the indicator panel. Conventionally, containers canbe made from glass or stainless steel of various dimensions. In thepresent invention, the indicator panel, likened to the stationary phase,also should be protected and enclosed in some form of envelope. Thecontainer for the indicator panel may be formed of either a tubular orflattened enclosure structure made from metal, glass, and suitableplastics.

According to an embodiment, the indicator display area may appear as astrip, such as shown in FIG. 2. When in the general configuration of astrip, belt, or other linear conformation, in which one dimension issignificantly greater or longer than another, the sections may bearranged one next to another serially along a single row. According toone design, the indicator display area may be incorporated as part of abelt that wraps around a user's wrist or waist, or as part of suspendersor other article clipped to a garment. In such configurations, thereservoir can be located at one end of the device.

According to another design, the indicator may be in the form of a patchor other conformation having a wide and large surface area, such as inFIGS. 3 and 6-9. The indicator may have with a particular design, motif,or shape (e.g., circle, square, rectangle, triangle, polygon, sunburst,star, stripes, flower, animal, vegetable, or article (toy-shape orsilhouette, hammer, wand, gun, sword, etc.)). When in the form of apatch, the indicator display area may be incorporated as part of theouter surface of a variety of products and articles, such as a garment,safety device, or absorbent article (e.g., diaper, inflatable float,pad). According to an embodiment, the reservoir can be located near acenter of the surface area and the visually distinct sections may bearranged in a radial fashion, with rings or rows of sections radiatingoutward from the reservoir. Similar to FIGS. 2A-K, FIGS. 3A-3H showsequentially over time the outward, radial progress of an activatingagent 12 from a reservoir 14 situated at the center of a circulardesign. As the activating agent travels through each of the coloredsections 18, it changes the initial color of each zone or mixes thecolors together.

In an alternative design, more than one row of visually distinctsections can be arranged parallel to each other over the surface of asingle indicator panel with relatively large surface area or acorresponding number of parallel indicator panels. Each of the parallelindicator panels may be isolated in its own housing unit or theindicator panels can be in cross communication. The specificconfiguration and alternative designs will depend on the particular ordesired use. When more than a single reservoir is included, one can havethe potential for a combination of indicator display areas in parallel,or intersecting cross channels, which may allow two mobile phases tointeract with and/or disrupt one other as they cross paths. Eachindividual reservoir can contain a different activating agent as therespective mobile phase, each of which has a different rate ofprogression along the respective stationary phases.

The colorant used to distinguish each visual distinct section or zonemay be a different dye, pigment, or tint, or the absence of pigmentcolor, such as black/white. Alternatively, each of the visually distinctsections of the indicator display panel can have the same colorant. Forinstance, one may have a sealed wicking strip that has situated on thestrip areas (e.g., spots or stripes) of food, drug and cosmetic (FD&C)dyes which render certain parts or zones of the indicator a specificcolor. Each zone can have a different color from the zone adjacent,hence providing a simple color-coded visual feedback. In such asituation, each section will have an initial background that is of acontrasting appearance or coloration to the subsequently developedcoloration, when the colorant passes through with the mobile front. Forexample, the overall background of the indicator panel may initiallylook neutral or white, with either a single or plurality of fine coloredlines (e.g., red, yellow, green, blue, or black) drawn within eachsection. After the activating agent is released from the reservoir, ittravels as a mobile phase front either along or through the indicatorpanel, interacting with each of the colorants in turn. The mobile phasefront typically carries the colorant along, turning the once neutralbackground the color of the colored lines. Thus, with the change incolor or appearance of the indicator panel, one may clearly observe theprogress of the mobile phase front as it passes along at a predeterminedrate. In such a situation, the colored lines or patterns are arranged inseries, one for each visual section. Preferably, the line or pattern maybe either of the same or different color. According to some embodiments,visual color change may result from a blending or mixing of differentcolorants preexisting on the indicator panel, such as shownschematically in FIGS. 2 and 3. For examples, a green color can becreated when a yellow colorant carried by the mobile phase mixes with ablue colorant. In certain other embodiments, the visual manifestation ofcolors could be caused by reaction between one or more materials of theindicator area and the activating agent material as it progresses along.For example, a yellow mobile phase moves into a blue line generatesgreen.

According to certain embodiments, across the indicator display area maybe located a series of ionic gates 25, such as depicted in FIGS. 2 and3, either on or in the surface of the indicator panel. The ionic gatecan be created by applying a charged polymer molecule to a part of theindicator panel in the pathway of the mobile phase front. To illustrate,once the activating agent moves through one section, it carries along acolorant, such as a dye, until the mobile phase front reaches the nextionic gate. Salt concentration may halt the ionic diffusion of chargedcolorants while permitting the activating agent to continue through. Insome embodiments, according to this fashion, one produces zone ofcharged polymer molecules.

The ionic gates can function first as time markers, and to control thedirection of elution. That is, the ionic gates can prevent the backwardflow of disruptive dyes or other indicators, which can interrupt forwardprogress of the activating agent, and can destroy a visual marking ofhow far the activating agent has progressed over a certain time. Eachionic gate can be spaced apart a known given distance. Since the rate atwhich the activating agent travels along the indicator panel is known,by the elution rate of the colorant molecules, one can easily calculatethe time interval elapsed as the activating agent traverses the distancebetween two adjacent ionic gates. As FIGS. 2-9 show, depending on theparticular design or configuration of the indicator panel, the ionicgates can be arranged either in a lineal fashion to form part of astrip, or in concentric rings to form part of a larger circular orelliptical design.

Once the activating agent is released from the reservoir, the agent willelute across the indicator panel, either within a sheet or other wickingmedium, as in some embodiments, or along one or more specially designedchannels, as in other embodiments. The distance and time for aparticular activating agent to travel through the indicator panel willbe predetermined and can be calibrated to certain durations. Asillustrated herein, the surface of either the indicator panel itself oran outer covering of an enclosure to protect the indicator can bemarked-off with a number of lines for each color development zone. Thelines may represent increments of time. For instance one centimeter orinch can represent a duration of either as short as a few minutes,(e.g., 5-30 min.) up to about an hour or two, or as long as a week to amonth. Typically, it is envisioned that the markings on the chronographwill represent time increment of a few hours to a few days. Anactivating agent that elutes relatively swiftly for short running times,for instance, can have a rate such as 0.01 or 0.1 mm/second, or 1inch/minute, which permits the chronograph to operate for either a fewminutes or a few hours, up to a day. Alternatively, one may select anactivating agent that elutes slower for operations that have need forlonger running times. Desirably, the development of the visual displayon the indicator or chromatogram still should be at a rate that willpermit the chronograph to be visually perceptible and able to operateover prolonged periods, such as several days, weeks, months, or possiblyeven years. For example, the mobile phase may progress at as slow a rateas 1×10⁻⁷ mm/second, or 1×10⁻⁹ inch/minute. Of course, in the creationof chronograph devices for either short or prolonged durations, oneshould consider and balance several parameters, such as the rate ofelution and the physical dimensions or size of the display panel, toproduce an optimized design.

The concept illustrated in FIG. 2 and expanded to include alternatedesigns in FIG. 3, is demonstrated in FIGS. 4A-D. According to anembodiment, timed visual indicator strips are created using wickingmaterials and FD&C approved dyes (yellow 5, red 4 and blue 1). Thewicking strips are cut into a desired length (˜4-4.5 inches) and thedesired width (˜0.5-1 inch). The dye solutions (50 mg in 10 ml of water;0.5 wt %) were located on the wicking material (0.02-0.04 ml) atpredetermined interval distances, after which the strip was encased in aplastic coat and the plastic coat was heat sealed. In the example shownin FIG. 4, a small amount of water (˜0.2 ml) is introduced to the timedindicator strip and allowed to develop over a predetermined timeinterval. The desired time to complete the elution from one end of thestrip to the other, right to left, was about 2-3 hours. The duration ofdevelopment time can be a function of the volume of water added. FIGS.4A shows the initial condition at T₀. FIGS. 4B and 4C show intermediatestages of development, at about 10 minutes (T_(0+n1)) and about 40minutes (T_(0+n2)), respectively. FIG. 4D shows the indicator afterabout 140 minutes (T_(xf)).

Section III.—Indicator Material Components

A variety of potential materials and techniques may be employed tocreate the time indicator device. According to an embodiment, one mayuse a wicking material for the body of the indicator panel. Theparticular type of wicking material can include, for example, cellulosebased materials having a basis weight range of about 10 to about 400 or500 grams per square meter (gsm). More typically, the wicking materialcan have a basis weight of about 50-300 gsm, and desirably about 100-200or 250 gsm. Other possible wicking material components may be composedof a cellulose/polyolefin material combination, having for instance abasis weight in the range of about 10-475 gsm. Still other materials mayinclude polymeric, polyolefin-based, and other suitable syntheticmaterials.

Examples of particular materials may include wire texture coformlaminates (WTCL), wet-laid, bonded-carded web, or combined fibers.(Commercial examples of such materials include products byKimberly-Clark Corporation such as WypAll™X80, Viva® scrub cloth,Hydroknit®, Spunlace®, or Ironman™ airlaid materials.) Still anotherwicking material can be selected from the universe of non-wovenmaterials (e.g., spunbond, meltblown, melt-spun, orspunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) laminates). Non-woven materials mayalso include polyolefins (e.g., polylypropylene or polyethylene).Examples of suitable polymeric materials can include a sheet orsubstrate composed at least in part of fibrillated polyethelene,Hydroknit® with polypropylene fibers, fuzzy foam or bonded carded webs.

Alternatively, chromatographic materials, such as inorganic and/ororganic particles or oxides can be incorporated into the indicatordisplay panel. These materials should be inert and have an affinity foreither the colorant in each of the sections of the indicator paneland/or mobile phase (activating agent). The inorganic components, forinstance, may include silica, alumina, titania, clays, powdered zeolite,or kieselgur powder (porous diatomite) and could be used as part of theindicator panel. The inorganic species can be modified with eitheracidic or alkaline functionality, so as to create additional affinityfor or repulsion of colorants carried in the mobile phase. Organiccomponents may include carbon, starches (e.g., dextrose), cellulosicmaterials (e.g., paper), or plastic and polymers such as polystyrene,polyolefins (e.g., polybutylene, polyethylene), polyesters (e.g,polyethyleneterephthalate), polyamides (e.g., nylon), or poly(hydroxylmethacrylates).

The indicator display panel should be enclosed to contain the activatingagent while the agent reacts with the panel. The containment envelopshould be large enough to easily allow the user or caregiver to view theindicator panel enclosed within, and may be made from a film that istransparent either on both sides of the envelope, or transparent alongat least one major side while being opaque on the opposing side.Suitable material examples for making such films may includepolyolefins, polyesters (e.g., PET), polyamides (e.g., nylon),silicones, or inorganics (e.g., mica (as a backing), metal, ceramics,glass-ceramics, or glass).

In an alternative approach, the present visual indicator can alsodevelop based on the principles of oxidation/reduction, whereby exposureto the activating agent causes a color change, or removal of color, inthe surrounding environment of the indicator panel with increasingexposure times, again providing the user with a visual cue as to theextent of time elapsed. Examples include oxidation or reduction ofmetallic salts of transition metal ions (e.g., Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni,Ti, V, or Zn), or a moisture absorbent calcium carbonate compound (e.g.,Drierite® from the W.A. Hammond Company, Xenia, Ohio) coated with a dyethat turns from blue to pink the longer the compound is exposed to asource of moisture. Alternatively, the calcium chloride layer can becoated on the inner surface of channels or interstices, as between twofilm layers, to serve as a counter indicator. When an activating agentmakes contact with the calcium chloride, it will turn from blue to pinkon the indictor panel.

The colorant materials located within the visually distinct zones of theindicator panel can include or be selected from potentially hundreds ofdifferent dyes, inks, colored particles, microencapsulated colors, orpigmentation compounds. These kinds of materials may be further dividedinto generally hydrophilic or hydrophobic species. (See for example,Ranae Canterbery Page, John A. Wenninger, Gerald N. McEwen, Jr., Ph.D.,J.D., Ed., INTERNATIONAL COSMETIC INGREDIENT DICTIONARY AND HANDBOOK,9th Ed., Vol. 4, Sect. 12, “Colorant Cross Index,” pp. 3195-3200, ISBN:1-882621-29-8 (4 volume set), The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and FragranceAssociation, Washington, D.C. (2002)). Hydrophilic colorants can includewater soluble or miscible dyes or pigments, dyes that contain sulfonicor carboxylic acids or acid salts, or hydroxyl moieties. Examples ofthese are acid dyes, basic dyes, azo dyes, natural dyes, fast dyes,brilliant dyes, Food Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) dyes, or Drug & Cosmetic(D&C) dyes. Hydrophobic colorants can include oil or other organicsoluble or miscible materials, such as dyes lacking sulfonic orcarboxylic acid/salt moieties; for instance, direct dyes, mordant dyes,dispersed dyes, pigment dyes, solvent dyes, and oil-based dyes.Desirably, the colorants and/or activating agent are harmless food orcosmetic dyes and pigments suitable for contact with bare human skin, orother types of dyes as contemplated.

In an alternative example for development of color, the strip has nolines of color, rather a single line or spot of black/brown. When themobile phase front hits the spot or line it carries the multicolorcontaining spot. Each color contained in this mixture will wick at adifferent rate across the wicking strip, generating a vivid colorspectrum or rainbow of colors as the mobile phase migrates across thestrip. This separation of colors follows simple paper chromatographyprinciples where each color has a different solubility in the mobilephase and different hydrophilic/hydrophobic (HL/HB) mixes which make thecolors move at a different rate as compared to other colors of differentHL/HB mix. The resultant effect of this novel blend is to generate avisual attractive/appealing spectrum of colors from a dull spot or lineat one end of the strip.

In another embodiment or variation for generating color for the visualindicator, color-changing, solvent-sensitive, solvatochromic dyes can beimmobilized in or on the stationary phase to create a visual indicatorpanel substrate or strip. Solvatochromic dyes change color when theenvironment in which they reside changes, typically according to thepolarity of the fluid, usually a liquid, in which they are dissolved.They have been proposed as indicators of solvent composition, but inorder to make a practical sensor such a dye must be immobilized in sucha way as to retain solvatochromic behavior, and its color measured in areliable manner. For example, an environmental change occurs whensolvatochromic dyes interact with the mobile phase. As the mobile phasemoves past the solvent sensitive dyes, it causes a change in the colorof the dye. There are a variety of dyes, each of a unique and differentcolor. Hence, as the mobile phase front comes in contact with the dye ormixture of dyes in each zone, the color change generates a visuallyattractive and appealing indicator panel. Examples of solvatochromaticdyes may include, for instance: Reichardt's dye (Aldrich Chemical Co.,Milwaukee, Wis.), or 1-Docosyl-4-(4-hydroxystyryl)-pyridinium bromide(Aldrich Chem Co. Inc., Milwaukee Wis.). Reichardt's dye is aphenolbetaine, which shows very strong negative solvatochromism, and isof the structure (R1-R5=phenyl):

Solvatochromic dyes of this class have been synthesized, covalentlyimmobilized onto silica or polystyrene, and changes in color in responseto changes in solvent or to impurities in solvent have been measured.Immobilization on the substrate can be achieved through a link from the4 position of R3 to the solid support, and the spectral response of thedye has been modified by varying the substituents R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄.

Listed in Table 1 are a few examples of the general classes of compoundswe believe to be good colorants in each of the section on the indicatordisplay area. These examples of possible compounds are by way ofillustration only, and they are not exhaustive, nor should they beconstrued to be limiting. Other suitable compounds may be readilydetermined by one skilled in the art. TABLE 1 A. Structures of FD&C Blue1 (top left), FD&C Red 4 (top right) and FD&C Yellow (bottom).

B. Dyes containing the Anthraquinone (5) Chromophore:

Numbers indicate the substitution positions of the anthraquinonestructure. The following sections of the table indicates dyesubstituents that occur at positions 1, 4, 5, or 8 on the anthraquinonestructure. In other words, this table shows the presence of groups thatform alumina bonding moieties 1 through 5. Subststituent at positionName 1 or 4 or 5 or 8 Other groups present include CI Acid Black 48 NH₂SO₃Na CI Acid Blue 25 NH₂ SO₃Na CI Acid Blue 40 NH₂ SO₃Na CI Acid Blue41 NH₂ SO₃Na CI Acid Blue 45 OH, NH₂ SO₃Na CI Acid Blue 129 NH₂ SO₃Na CIAcid Green 25 NHAr SO₃Na CI Acid Green 27 NHAr SO₃Na CI Acid Green 41OH, NHAr SO₃Na CI Mordant Red 11 OH (Alizarin) CI Mordant Black 13 OH,NHAr SO₃NA (Alizarin Blue Black B) Alizarin Complexone OH (Aldrich 12,765-5) CI Mordant Red 3 OH SO₃Na (Alizarin Red S) CI Natureal Red 4 OHCOOH (Carminic Acid) CI Disperse Blue 1 NH₂ CI Disperse Blue 3 NH(alkyl)CI Disperse Blue 14 NHCH₃ Emodin OH (6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxy-anthraquinone) Nuclear Fast Red OH, NH₂ SO₃Na (HeliofastRubine BBL) CI Natural Red 16 OH (Purpurin) CI Natural Red 8 OHQuinalizarin OH Quinizarin OH CI Reactive Blue 2 NH₂, NHAr SO₃Na SolventGreen 3 NHAr C. Dyes Containing Salicylate, or 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoicacid moieties:

Dyes containing salicylate (6, R═OH), Salicamide (6, R═NH₂, NHAr,NHAlk), or BON acid (3- hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid) (7, R═OH) or anitrogenous BON acid derivative (7, R═NH₂, NHAr, NHAlk) moiety as shownbelow may also be used in accordance with the present invention. Thesedyes often fall into the Color Index Mordant application class. ColorantSubstantive Group Chromophore Aluminon (tri ammonium Salicylate TPMsalt) (Aurintricarboxylic acid) (CI Mordant Violet 39 is the trisodiumsalt) CI Mordant Blue 29 Salicylate TPM CI Mordant Blue 3 Salicylate TPM(Chromoxane Cyanine R) Calconcarboxylic acid BON acid Azo3-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-4- sulfo-1-naphthylazo)- -2-naphthalenecarboxylicacid CI Mordant Orange 1 Salicylate Azo (Alizarin Yellow R) CI MordantOrange 6 Salicylate Azo (Chrome Orange GR) CI Mordant Orange 10Salicylate Azo CI Mordant Yellow 7 Salicylate Azo CI Mordant Yellow 10Salicylate Azo CI Mordant Yellow 12 Salicylate Azo CI Mordant Green 31BON acid Azo (Naphtho Chrome Green) CI Azoic Coupling BON acid N/AComponent 2 (Naphthol AS) Arylamido CI Azoic Coupling BON acid N/AComponent 45 (Naphthol AS B1) Arylamido 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid BONacid N/A (BON acid) Xylidyl Blue 1 BON acid Azo Aryl amido D. Dyes basedon Chromotropic acid:

Dyes based upon Chromotropic acid (8) are also substantive to alumina.Azo dyes are formed when chromotropic acid is reacted with a diazoniumsalt. Azo coupling occurs at positions 2 and/ or 7. Colorant CI Acid Red176 (Chromotrope 2B) CI Acid Red 29 (Chromotrope 2R) Plasmocorinth BSulfonazo III (3,6-Bis(2-sulfophenylazo)-4,5-dihydroxy-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acid sodium salt)2-(4-sulfophenylazo)-1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalenedisulfonic acid E.Naphthoquinone Colorants:

Naphthoquinone (11) type structures are also useful for formingcomplexes with the surface of alumina. CI Natural Black 1 (Hematoxylin)is another example of a dye that contains quinoid groups and issubstantive to alumina. F. Aluminum Dyes; Dyes Known to be Useful forStaining Anodized Aluminum.

There are several dyes that are know to be useful for the coloration ofanodized aluminum, including CI Mordant Red 7 (Eriochrome Red B), (12).It is believed that the geometry of the five membered pyrazolone ringoxygen atom brings it into the correct position with the beta-naphtholgroup for complexation with alumina. Thus, the following structure canbe considered a functional equivalent to a carbonyl-hydroxy moiety. Thestructure also contains an iminalogous amide moiety, which isfunctionally equivalent to a vinalogous amide. G. Aluminum Lake FormingDyes: Certain anionic dyes may be precipitated using certain metal ionsto form insoluble colored compounds know as Lake Pigments. For example,Erythrosine (Tetraiodifluorescein) forms an insoluble salt with aluminumions. The salt is known as CI Pigment Red 172. CI Pigment Blue 36 is thealuminum lake of indigo disulfonate (FD + C Blue 1):

Various co-solvents may also be included in the ink formulation.Examples of such co-solvents include a lactam such as N-methylpyrrolidone. However, other examples of optional co-solvents includeN-methylacetamide, N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide, N,N-dimethylacetamide,N-methyl formamide, propyleneglycol-monomethylether, tetramethylenesulfone, and tripropylene- glycolmonomethylether. Still other solventswhich may be used include propylene glycol and triethanolamine (TEA). Ifan acetamide-based cosolvent is also included in the formulation it istypically present at about 5 percent by weight, within a range ofbetween about 1.0-12 percent by weight. Optionally, one or morehumectants in an amount between about 0.5 and 20 percent by weight maybe included in the ink formula. Additional humectants for optional usein the formulation include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol,diethylene glycol, glycerine, and polyethylene glycol 200, 400, and 600,propane 1,3 diol, other glycols, a propyleneglycolmonomethyl ether, suchas Dowanol PM (Gallade Chemical Inc., Santa Ana, CA), polyhydricalcohols, or combinations thereof. (See for example U.S. PatentPublication No. 20040120904)The colorant compositions of the present invention may be applied to anysubstrate to impart a color to the substrate. The substrate to which thecomposition is applied may include, but is not limited to, paper, wood,a wood product or composite, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, textiles,films, plastics, and the like. In one aspect, the colorant compositionor medium may be applied to textile articles, such as cloth.

Examples of some common solvents that may be employed in the presentinvention as an activating agent and mobile phase include: water,aqueous detergent solutions; acidic water solutions; alkaline watersolutions; isopropanol; ethanol, methyl-ethyl ketone; acetone; toluene;hexane, ethyl acetate; or acetic acid (vinegar). Particular examples ofan organic mobile phase to carry the colorants can include: cetylalcohol (fatty alcohol), which can keep oil and water from separating;dimethicone silicone; isopropyl lanolate, myristate, and palmitate,lanolin and lanolin alcohols and oil; octyl dodecanol; oleic acid (oliveoil); panthenol (vitamin B-complex derivative); stearic acid and stearylalcohol; butylene glycol and propylene glycol, cyclomethicone (volatilesilicone); glycerin. Emulsifiers can also be incorporated: glycerylmonostearate (also pearlescent agent); lauramide DEA; or polysorbates.

The class of oils and fatty acids can be subdivided into well-definedfamilies according to their structure, such as: a) saturated fattyacids; b) monoenoic acids; c) polyenoic fatty acids (e.g.,methylene-interrupted polymethylene-interrupted, conjugated or allenicacids); d) branched-chain fatty acids (methyl, methoxy or hydroxy), e)ring-containing fatty acids (e.g., cyclopropane, cyclopentenyl,furanoid, cyclohexyl, expoxy, or lipoic acids); f) acetylenic fattyacids; g) hydroxyl fatty acids; h) sulfur-containing fatty acids; i)dicarboxylic acids; j) fatty acid amides; k) methoxy fatty acids; l)keto fatty acids; and m) halogenated fatty acids (F, Cl, Br). (Seereference, http://www.cyberlipid.org/fa/acid0001.htm)

In other embodiments, the activating agent could be selected fromthixotropic materials, such as certain gels or other solid or semi-solidmatter, which undergo a reduction in viscosity or liquefies whensubjected to a stress such as being shaken, stirred or otherwisemechanically disturbed, and then solidify again when left standing. Onceactivated a liquid is preferably combined to ensure further elutionthrough the indicator panel and prevent the thixotropic material fromresolidifying. Examples of suitable thixotropic materials may includefumed silica (e.g., also known by the brand names Cabosil® andAerosil®), a synthetic magnesium phyllosilicates (e.g., Laponite),alumina sols (e.g., Aluminasol, Nissan Chemical America, Houston, Tex.),or a highly-branched polyacrylate polymer.

Section IV.—Manufacturing Method

One approach or method for manufacturing the present time indicatordevice may include the following general steps for creating a sealedsystem. First, form an envelope or containment structure 30 for anindicator panel 10 by placing the indicator panel 10 inside a clear,transparent, first enclosure component 32. According to certainembodiments, this first enclosure component may form the entire envelope(e.g., see FIG. 4), or it may be one part (i.e., a cover) of a two ormultiple part containment structure (e.g., see FIG. 9). The enclosurecomponent 32 desirably have a transparent window 33 that is large enoughto enable one to clearly view the indicator. The enclosure may beconstructed from a variety of materials, such as laminated card-stock,metallic sheets or forms (e.g., aluminum, steel, or tin), polymerplastics (e.g., a transparent self-sealing film, sheath, sleeve, plasticbag or tubing), or glass materials (e.g., tempered tubing or lamp work).Alternatively, a clear cover 34 can be placed against a backing 36 withthe indicator panel 10 positioned in between, such as illustrated inFIG. 9, according to an iteration of the present invention. Second, asecure seal 26 is formed around the edges 27 of the plastic or glasscover and backing 36 to enclose the indicator panel 10 within. Forembodiments made from plastic materials, heat sealing can create aform-fitting plastic cover over the indicator. Third, provide or form asecond enclosed vessel or cell 38. This second enclosed cell 38 willbecome the reservoir for an activating agent, when an amount of anappropriate or desired activating agent (e.g., a liquid—water, alcohol,aldehyde, ester, ether, ketone, surfactant, or a gas—oxygen, nitrogen,helium, carbon dioxide) is introduced and subsequently sealed within.The cell should be made from a suitable plastic or glass material thatwill not react with the activating agent. Once sealed the cell becomesan isolated reservoir, until the activating agent released. The secondcell 38 is joined to the first containment structure 30 at a locationproximal or adjacent to the indicator panel 10. The reservoir cell 38and indicator panel containment structure 30 together constitutes whatis referred to as a housing unit 40. The housing unit can have either arigid or a semi-pliable, flexible structure.

Any suitable kind of sealing mechanism may be employed to ensure thatthe contents of the two enclosures cannot escape from the housing andexterior environmental conditions cannot contaminate or disturb theinterior of the housing. It is desirable that the contents of theenvelopes are not damaged during the sealing process. Commonly,ultrasonic welding, stamp/pressure, or heat sealing techniques forworking with either polymer plastic materials or glass, or a combinationcan be practiced for sealing the units. For instance, to construct aglass enclosed envelope, one can use frit with a suitable coefficient ofthermal expansion as the sealant to join a glass cover to a either aglass, ceramic, or metallic substrate that serves as the enclosurebacking.

As depicted in the accompanying FIGS. 2-9, continuous, spot, or seamlesswelds are desired to seal the indicator pane in its protectiveenclosure. Desirably, the seals are hermetic. In rectilinear-shapedembodiments the seals are hermitic along three-sides, with the fourthside being frangible and joined to the reservoir, such as in FIGS. 2, 4,or 7. In round, scalloped, or elliptical shapes, like shown in FIGS. 3,8, or 9, the reservoir is likely to be located at or near the center ofthe unit, so a hermetic seal 26 a closes the entire outer edge. Ofcourse, other or different combinations are also possible, such as areservoir 14 situated along an outer edge 27 of a rounded form, asdepicted in FIG. 6. An adhesive may also work, but consideration shouldbe given to possible contamination or undesired interaction between theadhesive with the mobile phase when the device is activated. The seal 20formed between the containment structure 30 that houses the indicatorpanel and the reservoir cell 38 is frangible, as compared to the otherseals around the edges of the envelopes that are not. The frangible sealallows for activation of the device by using pressure to break thefrangible seal, which opens communication between the two envelopes andforces the activating agent onto the indicator panel. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a small aperture or conduit 28 is located nextto the reservoir 14 containing an activating agent 12. The activatingagent 12 can exit the reservoir 14 through this small aperture 28 andinteract with the large indicator panel 10, since the aperture 28 iscentered over the large indicator panel 10.

The preceding method can be repeated multiple times to fabricate as manyreservoir and indicator housing units as one may desire. Individualhousing units may be bundled or joined together to have a number ofchromatographic timer indicators in parallel. As illustrated, accordingto one version, the chromatographic stationary phases can each be withintheir own separate channel on a presentation, such as a poster-sizedboard. A timer of such a large configuration can be hung on walls andcould be seen from a distance. Such large chronographs may be used astiming devices on industrial shop floors or for examination takers tosee from a distance.

Since the present chronograph device can be manufactured relativelyinexpensively, one-use or disposable models are envisioned according tocertain embodiments.

Section V.—General Applications for the Indicator Chronograph

The present timing device can be tailored to develop over anypredetermined time frame and for any type of application in which onewould need to monitor time; hence a universal indicator for all ages andactivities. The present invention can be used in a number of formats andadapted for various applications, for example, clinical uses to food andbeverage related monitoring to hygiene training. The chronograph canfunction as a stand-alone indicator device or it can be combined with orincorporated in another article. The chronograph may be included in anassembly or kit with or attached to other items that may havetime-dependent or time-influenced functionality or use.

The time indicator can be a disposable, self-contained tool, which canbe used in virtually any environment where a timer for a specifiedduration is appropriate, without fear of temperature or other externalfactors affecting its function. The device also can be used as atraining aid or tool to reinforce or condition one to perform certainactivities. For instance, with young children who are potty-training,the gradual change in color of the timed indicator can help motivatethem to stay dry over an ever longer duration. Alternatively, theindicator can help children gain a concept of time, for staying quiet ornapping, or the device can be applied towards monitoring hygiene. Forinstance, as a visual aid for newly menstruating girls to remind them tochange a feminine pad or tampon. In both types of applications, thepresent chronograph device can be adjusted or tuned to develop in aprescribed amount of time, depending on the particular purpose.

The following descriptions serve as illustrative examples of severalfields in which the present chronograph may be employed. The presentchronograph device could be deployed as a stand-alone device or be partof a package assembly or kit with other articles or components to helpin medical or clinical settings, for example: a) as a general timer forpatient care, which can unburden the caregiver and put control in thehands of patients, b) a diagnostic tool accompaniment (e.g., monitor anytest with a time-dependent development), c) to help patients monitor forhow long medication is effective or be cognizant of the time a dosage ofa drug was taken or should be taken (e.g., 4-hour dosage times, avoidingover medication), d) setting or treatment timer (e.g., bone cement,plaster, dental adhesive, whitening treatment or when to wash off skintreatments, etc.), e) timer for wound dressing changes or draining, orf) as a patient waiting-time monitor.

Furthermore, one can employ the chronograph indicator in food-relatedareas, such as a freshness indicator for the length of time something(e.g., coffee, baked goods, deli goods, vegetables/produce, buffet orfast food, airline food, or other products) has been stored or sitting,or a delivery timer for guaranteed delivery times. Beverage-related usesmay include individual alcohol drink timers (i.e., 1 drink/hour isrecommended)—the drinker starts the timer when he or she beginsdrinking, which also can be a promotional tool at bars or nightclubs; a“flatness” indicator for carbonated beverages (soda, beer, etc.)—starttimer when the beverage container is first opened and the beverage makercan dictate how long before the drink goes “flat”; and a timer forallowing red wine to breath—chronograph can hang on the wine bottle toindicate when breathing time is sufficient.

Similarly, the visual chronograph can also be used for or packaged withcosmetic or health care products and applications. For instance, thechronograph can monitor the duration of a hair care or skin careapplication or treatment (e.g., perms, colorants, facials, topicaltreatment, bleaching, etc.), or could be used as a guard against overexposure in a spa environment, such as in hot-tubs or saunas. Also, thechronograph can be used by hobbiests as a timer for applying etchingsolutions, paint remover, glue setting, or to monitor mixing times(e.g., epoxy, paint, etc.).

The present invention provides a noiseless, silent timer device. Thechronograph can serve as a child-friendly timer for monitoring, forexample, sun exposure (e.g., when to apply or reapply sun screen, orwhen to get out of the sun), length of television watching, length ofplaytime or time-outs, or any other situation in which one can't or itmay be inconvenient to tell time. In schools, as mentioned previously, alarger version of the chronograph could be used as an examination timer.

The present chronograph device can serve as an indicator forenvironments where moisture content is critical. For example, as meatages, it gives off liquid. An indicator with both the timed portion andthe wetness indicator could be built into packaging and is designed todevelop once a certain liquid level in the package has been reached,providing the customer with a visual indicator of the age of the meat.According to a similar concept, as will be further discussed, thepresent chronograph can be adapted and integrated into various personalcare products, such as diapers, child training pants, or adultincontinence items and other similar types of articles or garments toserve as a wetness/dryness indicator.

Section VI.—Wetness/Dryness Indicator Uses

As a further application of the present invention, the chronograph andits visual indicator can be used to monitor either the maintenance ofdryness and/or the presence of wetness to ensure insult-free wear or useof either a personal care product (e.g., a diaper, adult care garments),or an absorbent article (e.g., a pad used in medical procedures, meat orpoultry packaging, or pre-packaged vegetable, moisture detecting). Theterm “insult-free” refers to the state of the indicator display area orpanel being uninterrupted or undisturbed in the development or progressof the mobile phase of the activating agent as it traverses the displayarea. When an “insult” occurs, the development or progress of theactivating over the display area is either disturbed, deactivated, ordestroyed. In other words, the pattern or design which the activatingagent generates can be altered, stopped, or completely negated, but notreset.

A practical application of the present color-coded moisture indicatorcan be employed in the conditioning and training of children, ingeneral, and for potty training in particular. For instance, theindicator may be incorporated as part of a training pant forconditioning a child to develop bladder control by providing a positivefeedback when the child remains dry for an extended period of time(e.g., 2-4 hours, or 3-6 hours). As such, the chronograph can be both achild-friendly and child-appropriate timing device.

Children of potty training age usually cannot tell time using aconventional timing device, such as a clock. Such young children,however, do have a well developed ability to recognize visual changes.Hence, the present invention can be employed as a training aid forchildren. The device takes advantage of the child's visual skilldevelopment to achieve a training goal with a visual representation ofthe amount of time elapsed. The child can be encouraged to maintaindryness for a given period of time, the length of which can increase asthe training progresses and the child's self-control increases.

At the present, few, if any, products on the market can provide apositive feedback mechanism for children who are of potty training age,even though providing positive feedback is strongly encouraged by themajority of training programs. (See B. Spock, M.D., and M. B.Rothenberg, M.D., Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, 6^(th) Ed., pp.457-475, ISBN: 0-671-75967-1, Pocket Books, 1992; or Wall StreetJournal, “Un-Pampered Tots Face Strict Deadline on Toilet Training,” pp.A1, A6, Aug. 27, 2004.) To meet this need, we have developed, accordingto one iteration of the present invention, a wetness/dryness indicator.

Potty training a young child typically includes a wide variety ofdifferent aspects, including many training techniques and training aidsthat may be useful to parents and caregivers, hereinafter referred tosimply as caregivers. One feature of potty or toilet training is havingthe young child change from wearing diapers to wearing training pants tohelp the child understand that he or she should now use the commode justlike adults. An additional feature of the potty training processincludes caregiver instruction and feedback as a positive encouragementand reinforcement to the child that he or she should now be using thetoilet instead of diapers. Although the use of training pants andpositive encouragement or feedback from caregivers has been helpful andis recommended for the training process, there still is room forimprovement in providing more positive feedback mechanisms.Specifically, caregivers continue to search for alternative rewardsystems to guide their children successfully through the potty trainingprocess.

As a general consensus among child rearing experts, and as described invarious parenting guides, positive reinforcement is preferred fortraining or conditioning a child to an activity. For example, when pottytraining, positive feedback can be a valuable training tool, which aidesin the conditioning of self-control. It is envisioned that when appliedto the outside of a personal care product, such as children's trainingpants, the chronograph can provide the child a greater feeling ofcontrol and ownership in the child's potty training efforts, at an agewhere the child wishes to assert his or her independence. This, in turn,contributes to a positive feedback system of reward or affirmation forthe child, which can motivate the child to try to maintain dryness forlonger periods. It is envisioned that the present invention can beadapted to be a tool that can provide or instill a sense of empowermentor independence in a child by providing the child with the ability tosupervise or control over his or her own behavior.

Moreover, a problem facing caregivers is that they do not always knowwhen a child has had an accident in his or her training pants, theknowledge of which can help in the potty training process since theaccident will be still fresh in the child's mind. Conventionally,wetness indicators have been used as a mechanism to assist thecaregivers in knowing when the article has been wetted or soiled.Conventional wetness indictors of this sort tend to be complex, whetherthey involve disappearing inks, appearing inks, inks activated by heat,or rely on body chemistry or pH indicators and the like, etc., to work.The present invention, in contrast, can be adapted to be a drynessindicator without the need to rely upon complicated chemicalinteractions.

Further it is known that caregivers sometimes have difficultydetermining whether or not a personal care products, such as a diaper ona baby or adult incontinence garments on cognitively disabled persons iswet or dry without disturbing the wearer, and if the wearer is asleep,they may be awakened inadvertently. Accordingly a personal care productwhich is capable of providing a readily visible signal when wet and inneed of changing is highly desirable. A quick glance at the visualindicator panel will permit a caregiver to determine for how long thedevice has been activated. This feature of the present invention may beemployed in a variety of applications. For example, once the indicatoris activated, a quick inspection of the indicator panel can tell acaregiver the status for how long a child has gone without urinating andalso allows the child him or herself to see by color zones, how longthey have remained dry. This serves as a positive feed-back trainingtool. That is, in some embodiments a picture or pattern develops toreward the child for staying dry. In contrast, conventionalpotty-training aids often use a negative feedback, by which if a childwets himself, for example, the initial picture or design on the trainingpants either changes from a happy image to a sad image or disappears alltogether.

As a training aid for children during potty training, it is envisionedthat the present chronograph can be formed as part of diaper or other apersonal care product itself or as an add-on that can be purchasedseparately. The indicator would be activated once the caregiver has putthe diaper on the child. Initially as potty training begins, the targetor predetermined development time would be for about 2-3 hours. As thechild's ability to exercise self-control improves, the caregiver canincrease the duration with other indicators designed for longerdevelopment times (i.e. 4-5 hours, or 8 hours for overnight use).Ideally, the indicator would contain some time markers so thatcaregivers could estimate, for example, at what point during the nightthe child wet his or her diaper—either closer to the time the child wentto bed or closer to the time the child wakes.

The indicator may have either monochromatic or multicolored zones alongthe indicator panel to display the time elapsed. In monochromaticversions, when each zone contacts or reacts with the activating agent, avisual signal is set or marked off. In multicolored embodiments, eachzone has a different color, which provides a simple visual colorfeedback of the time duration. The boundaries of each of the coloredzones on the indicator panel may correspond with a set amount of time,or each colored zone be divided into a certain number of subsections bymarkings which indicate both distance and indirectly the amount of timethat passes. In other words, an observer will be able to track theprogression of visual change or development by following the spatialdevelopment of either a change in color or design, or other visualmanifestation or signal, since each of the marking signify a certainpredetermined increment of time.

When incorporated into certain articles, such as personal care products,the indicator may be used either to monitor the passage of time, checkfor the absorbency and wicking properties of an article, for thepresence of dryness and/or the absence of moisture over time, or as atraining tool that can provide a positive feedback.

According to an embodiment, a number of colored regions or stripes ofcolorant are situated on a simple cellulose-based wicking strip that issealed in an envelope or enclosure to provide the visual signal orindication on for the indicator display area. Using food dyes (e.g.,FD&C yellow 5, blue 1, and red 4) a series of colored stripes is createdon a 10-20 cm long strip of wicking material. The strip is marked atpredetermined intervals to delineate the distance the activating agentfront will travel over a given period of time, or also referred to astimed zones. The wicking strip is sealed in a tight-fitting envelopewith at least one surface being clear and transparent. The transparentwindow allows one to observe the colored stripes. Adjacent to theenvelope containing the colored wicking strip, is a reservoir containingan activating agent. When a frangible seal between the envelope and thereservoir is ruptured, communication between the two is established. Theactivating agent can enter into the envelope and trigger the coloredindicator strip. For instance, when a mobile phase, such as water, wicksalong the strip, and comes into contact with the colors in each strip,the fluid front will carry the color forward across the strip. As thecolor dye of a first stripe contacts the dye of the next adjourningcolored stripe, the two dyes will mix.

The breaking of the frangible seal can be done by either a caregiver ora child to start the timed indicator into action. The entire wickingprocesses, from one end of the colored strip to the other, can bedesigned to take from about 2-4 or 6 hours, based on the materials usedand conditions set. Non-water soluble ink lines may act as filters ordams, which slow down the flow.

According to an embodiment, the present chronograph indicator has atimed display panel portion that may be combined with a second indicatorthat can sense the presence of moisture and disrupt the timed portion,generating a visual cue to the user and/or caregiver that an accidenthas occurred. The second indicator can be, in certain embodiments thatemploy a conduit, a second wicking strip which interacts with the timeindicator panel. The length of the wicking strip is limited by the sizeof the absorbent article (e.g., diaper or pad). The conduit should besufficiently long enough to reach from the absorbent core to thewaistband of the diaper, and the narrowness is probably limited by theamount of dye necessary on the interference or disruptor to generate astrong marking or visual effect. In certain examples, the presentdesigns are tested with about 1 ml of water to simulate an urinationevent. It is believed that a narrower piece of material will requireless moisture to complete the wicking process. This amount is sufficientto cause disruption of indicator development. That would probably besignificantly lower than normal amount of urine that is released duringan event and probably mimics the “partial release” concept better than afull release. A partial release is the kind of release one wouldactually want to monitor during potty training to achieve the desiredgoal.

To illustrate, an execution of the present invention shown in FIGS.5A-D. Timed visual indicator strips were generated using wickingmaterials and FD&C approved dyes (yellow 5, red 4 and blue 1). Wickingstrips were cut into the desired length (˜4-4.5 inches) and the desiredwidth (˜0.5-1 inch). The dye solutions (50 mg in 10 ml of water) werestriped onto the wicking material (0.02-0.04 ml). A second wicking strip50 functions as a conduit for an interference agent or disruptormechanism. The second strip can be prepared with a line or zone of darkink 51 (e.g., brown or black) placed on it. The dark ink acts as aninterference agent or disruptor of the time indicator when the presenceof moisture is sensed. In the example at hand, the second strip wasprepared by loading a black dye (0.04 ml) onto an end of the secondstrip 50, as shown in FIG. 5A. One or a plurality of different secondarystrips 50 can be placed in contact with or attached to the primaryindicator strip at different positions along the colored strip's length;or if a circular or round-shaped embodiment, around its perimeter.Moisture moving up the second trip will carry the dark colored ink intothe first indicator strip. FIG. 5B shows the secondary wetness indicatorstrip 50 with the dark colored ink or dye 51 placed in a perpendicularmanner adjacent to the primary, colored indicator strip 10. Both thesecond disruptor strip and the primary indicator strip are encased in aplastic sheath. When an source of moisture (e.g., water or urine) movesthrough the second wetness strip, the dark dye is carried up onto theprimary timed indicator strip, disrupting the progress of colordevelopment and providing feedback to the user. Embodiments of thepresent concept is shown in FIGS. 6, alternative configurations areshown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In another variation, the indicator strip can have a plurality of ionicgates, such as described above, or a variant of “colorant ordye-capturing” barrier lines oriented largely perpendicular to thedirection of mobile phase elution. These barrier lines contain agentsthat bind to the dyes and halt the further progress of the dye pastthese lines. In certain examples, the barrier lines can be formed withpolycationic polymers with either a positively or negatively chargedmoiety on each monomer unit allowing for the capture of the oppositelycharged dye or colorant moiety. Examples of such polycationic polymersor oligomers are: polyethyleneimine, MW 800-1MM (Polysciences Inc., PA),aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum nanoparticle (e.g., Snowtex-AK andaluminasol (Nissan Chemical America, Houston Tex.)), polyethyleneimine,and its permethylated or perbrominated salts (Polysciences Inc., PA).Examples of anionic oligomers and polymers include: polyvinylsulfonicacid (Polysciences Inc., PA). Examples of neutral dye trapping agentsinclude: cyclodextrin (e.g., Alpha, Beta and Gamma) available fromCerestar (Hammond Ind.), starch, or silica. As most dyes are negativelycharged, due the presence of the sulfonic acid or carboxylic acidgroups, they readily bind to the positively charged, polycationic linesthat have been fixed on the indicator substrate. It is envisioned thatin a working device with barrier lines, when a mobile phase carrying afirst color along the strip reaches a first barrier line, the colormolecules are halted at the line, while the mobile phase continues pastthe line uninhibited. The mobile phase continues and comes in contactwith a second color which then wicks along with the mobile phase front,until it reaches another barrier line. In this manner separated orsegregated sections of vivid colors are generated according to oneiteration of the invention.

In such a design, the indicator panel can be designed to show orindicate the proximal point of time when wetness occurred. The barrierlines can control the direction that a disruptor dye elutes and confineit to an unidirectional progress away from the original starting pointof the timed indicator panel. In other words, the barrier lines canprevent a disrupting dye, once it comes in contact with the timingelement, from flowing backward toward the activating agent reservoir anddestroying the vivid colored regions that have already developed beforethe onset of wetness. To illustrate, for example, the wetness indicatorcan be activated by urine or some other liquid, which wicks up thestrip, carrying the black dye up onto the colored visual strip, therebydisrupting the vivid color(s). Disruption of the colored strip at acertain time point provides a feedback message to the wearer orcaregiver. The actual time of wetness can be identified by observing atwhich point or zone of color generation on the indicator strip the blackdye migrates into. Those zones that remain either colorful orundeveloped, can indicate respectively the time periods before and afterthe assault of wetness.

Integration of a version of the present chronograph device indicatorwith personal care applications for infants or older children may easilybe extended to incontinence monitoring for adult care, such as forpersons of any age who may have diminished capacity to control certainbodily functions. For instance, the present device can be useful tocaregivers or those who may have lost the ability to tell time whensuffering from dementia, such as advanced stages of Alzheimer'sSyndrome, and must be either retrained or reminded. The presentinvention can help address the need and demand of caregivers for aconspicuous indicator of wetness in diapers and incontinence products.An integrated indicator could provide a visual cue to caregivers of inhospital nurseries as well as nursing homes or other long-term careenvironments where there are numerous residents that require attention.This would provide conspicuous, quick feedback for caregivers and anadditional method of communication for the user.

For personal care products such as diapers, children's training pants oradult incontinence items, a disruptor in the product can be triggeredfor release into the indicator display panel at the moment that asubstantial or significant amount of wetness or moisture is firstdetected. The absorbent area in a personal care product or garment,according to some embodiments, can have a sensitivity or tolerance levelfor as little as about 0.5 ml to trigger the disruptor. More commonly,the absorbent area can have a trigger as sensitive as about 1-2 ml, atypical, minimal volume amount of liquid release by the child in awetting accident—not to mention any amount of up to about 1 liter. Whenthe disruptor reaches the display panel, the disruptor creates a mark onthe display panel to show the point in time when the moisture levelreached a detectable limit. The disruptor can either stop furtherprogression of the mobile front and therefore development across theindicator display, or it can cause the design or pattern that wasdeveloping to change or disappear. Various suitable pigments, inks, ordyes can be useful in generating the markings which signal a disruptionof display pattern development by an alternate moisture or wettingsource have been already described herein.

As an example of other fluids, for children's training pants or adultincontinence products, urine itself may function as an interruptingagent in a second mobile phase, which disrupts or arrests thedevelopment of the indicator. In the case of children's training pantapplications, introduction of the disruptor on the display panel allowsthe child and his or her caregiver to quickly observe the length of timethat the child was able to maintain dryness, at what time the child wethimself, and whether or when the child needs changing. Completedevelopment of the indicator panel is designed to be a positive feedbackmechanism for the child and to motivate the child to keep dry, therebyreinforcing the potty training concept of long-term dryness. A seconddisruptor mobile phase can be oriented to intersect with the initialactivating agent mobile phase. In the situation of a training pant,using similar principles as the indicator panel development, the secondmobile phase (urine) wicks up a strip from the absorbent diaper coreonce the child wets and carries the dye on the disruptor strip onto theindicator panel simply through directional flow. For example, inmonochromatic or bi-chromatic indicator panels, an entirely or segmentedyellow-dye colored strip can form the indicator and addition of a bluedye as the disruptor, will mix and generate a green signal when thechild wets. Similarly, in the case of adult incontinence items, acaregiver can note at a glance the duration that the incontinence itemhas been worn and whether the patient needs to be changed.

It is contemplated that the present invention in addition to being usedfor child or adult care incontinence articles can be adapted andincorporated into a variety of diverse products and articles fordifferent applications. For examples, the chronograph may be used as tomonitor the length of time the article has been worn or used. The devicemay be an indicator in a glove, surgical or medical gowns, drapes,bandages or dressings.

The present invention has been described in general and in detail by wayof examples. Persons of skill in the art understand that the inventionis not limited necessarily to the embodiments specifically disclosed,but that modifications and variations may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined by the following claims or theirequivalents, including other equivalent components presently known, orto be developed, which may be used within the scope of the presentinvention. Therefore, unless changes otherwise depart from the scope ofthe invention, the changes should be construed as being included herein.

1. A timing-element comprising: a) an indicator display and b) anactivating agent that constitutes a mobile phase and transports avisually distinct species along said indicator display at a rate lessthan a rate of progression of said mobile phase.
 2. The timing-elementaccording to claim 1, wherein said indicator display has a number ofvisually distinct areas arrayed spatially relative to each other, andhaving at least a reservoir for said activating agent in controlledcommunication with said indicator display.
 3. The timing-elementaccording to claim 1, wherein said timing-element is part of a tool thatprovides a child with a sense of empowerment or independence and controlover the child's own behavior.
 4. The timing-element according to claim1, wherein said timing-element is at least a constituent part of atraining aid that employs a positive feedback signal to a user tomaintain dryness in an absorbent article.
 5. The timing-elementaccording to claim 4, wherein said mobile phase progresses along saidindicator display conveys said positive feedback signal until saidpositive feedback signal is either altered or disrupted by anintroduction of an interactive wetness-feedback element to saidindicator display.
 6. The timing-element according to claim 4, whereinsaid wetness-feedback element involves an alternate source of moisture.7. The timing-element according to claim 4, wherein said absorbentarticle is a personal care product.
 8. The timing-element according toclaim 4, wherein said indicator display is integrated as part of agarment or personal care product.
 9. The timing-element according toclaim 1, wherein said indicator display and activating agent are in ahousing unit.
 10. The timing-element according to claim 9, wherein anumber of housing units are assembled together for a plurality ofchromatographic indicator displays in parallel.
 11. The timing-elementaccording to claim 9, wherein said housing unit are made from either aplastic or glass material.
 12. The timing-element according to claim 9,wherein said housing unit has a rigid, a semi-pliable, or a flexiblestructure.
 13. A method for providing a positive feedback to reinforceand condition in a user for an activity or behavior, the methodcomprises: a providing an indicator display in controlled communicationwith a reservoir containing an activating agent that constitutes amobile phase and transports a visually distinct species along saidindicator display at a rate less than a rate of progression of saidmobile phase; activating said activating agent to migrate from astarting position to an ending position.
 14. The method according toclaim 13, wherein said indicator display has a set of distinct markingsarrayed spatially relative to each other.
 15. The method according toclaim 14, wherein said markings are arrayed in series, with apredetermined distance between each marking.
 16. The method according toclaim 14, wherein said markings are either monochromatic ormulti-chromatic.
 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein each ofsaid markings is visually distinct from an adjacent marking or abackground of said indictor display.
 18. A method for providinginstruction to a user of an article, the method comprises: relatinginformation to a user about the use of a dryness monitor device, saidmonitor device having an indicator display with a set of visuallydistinguishable zones arrayed spatially relative to each other, andhaving a reservoir containing an activating agent that constitutes amobile phase and transports a visually distinct species along saidindicator display at a rate less than a rate of progression of saidmobile phase.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein saidinformation further comprises: relating about activating said timingelement at a T₀; allowing a visual display to develop; and reading saidindicator display at a time T_(x).
 20. The method according to claim 18,wherein said information further comprises: relating about stopping thedevelopment of said visual display by insulting or contacting with analternate moisture source.
 21. An absorbent article comprising: a topsheet; a back sheet; and absorbent core disposed at least partiallybetween the top sheet and back sheet; and a timing-element, saidtiming-element having an indicator display and an activating agent thatconstitutes a mobile phase and transports a visually distinct speciesalong said indicator display at a rate less than a rate of progressionof said mobile phase.
 22. The absorbent article according to claim 21,wherein said indicator display has a number of visually distinct areasarrayed spatially relative to each other.
 23. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 21, wherein said timing-element has a reservoir forcontaining said activating agent.
 24. A method for monitoring relativepassage of time, the method comprises: providing a timing-element havinga indicator display with a number of visually distinct sections arrayedspatially relative to each other, and an activating agent thatconstitutes a mobile phase and transports a visually distinct speciesalong said indicator display at a rate less than a rate of progressionof said mobile phase; and observing development of a mobile front acrosssaid indicator display as said mobile front progress from said aproximal end to a distal end of said display panel over a predeterminedtime period.
 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said methodfurther comprises: rupturing a frangible seal situated between saidindicator display and a reservoir containing said activating agent toallow communication between said indicator display and said reservoir.26. A system for monitoring relative duration of use of an absorbentarticle or insult-free wear of a personal care product, the systemcomprising: a) providing either an absorbent article or a personal careproduct that incorporates a chronograph with an indicator display areahaving a number of visually distinct sections arrayed spatially relativeto each other, and having at least a reservoir for containing anactivating agent that constitutes a mobile phase and transports avisually distinct species along said indicator display at a rate lessthan a rate of progression of said mobile phase; and b) providinginstructions on how to use said chronograph to either a user or acaregiver of a user of either said absorbent article or personal careproduct, wherein said user or caregiver is can determine relativeduration of insult-free wear or use of said absorbent article orpersonal care product.